Some of the most popular dog breeds to be domesticated as pets belong to this category – German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, to name a few. While they’re not as ginormous as their gentle giant cousins, these pooches are still big dogs that can be quite the handful to handle if you don’t quite know what you’re signing up for.
So what are large dog breeds? Essentially, dogs in the 55 lbs (25 kg) to 88 lbs (40 kg) weight range are classified as large dogs. Some of the popular breeds in the segment include:
• Labrador Retriever
• German Shepherd
• Golden Retriever
• German Shorthaired Pointer
• Alaskan Malamute
• Standard Poodle
• Weimaraner Dalmatian
• Irish Setter Rottweiler
• Australian Shepherd
• Old English Sheepdog
• Chinese Shar-Pei
• Chesapeake Bay Retrievers
Most of these are dogs most friendly with humans. Despite their size and looks, a majority of them are just big fur balls looking for endless love and cuddles. However, these dog breeds also have big personalities, and you need to make sure that those align with your needs and lifestyle before you zero in on the right four-legged companion for yourself and your family.
Labradors, for instance, have a lazy streak and are big foodies, both these traits can lead to a host of health issues for them if left unchecked. However, when raised with discipline and a consistently active lifestyle, they can grow up to be the most well-behaved, obedient pets. Be warned though, they know just how to use those big puppy eyes to get out of exercising, which can be easy to fall prey to.
While a Labrador will never ask to be exercised, in contrast, a German Shepherd or Alaskan Malamute will drive you nuts if they don’t get their daily dose of at least an hour of activity – play, walks, running in the yard. I’m talking destroyed furniture, chewed-up shoes, torn pillows, and incessant barking.
All About Dog Parenting will take you deeper into many such nuances about different dog breeds in this category to help you understand their physical and emotional needs better, and figure out the best fit for your life.
A large dog breed from Scotland, the Scottish Deerhound stands apart for its tall and lean physique. They were first bred in the 16th century purportedly as wolf-hunting dogs and the breed is recognized as the “Royal Dog of Scotland”. Now, the words “wolf hunting” may have you thinking they are fierce and ferocious. However,…
Sleek yet powerful, intelligent, keen, and magnificent, the Doberman Pinscher dog is considered canine nobility for good reason. Even though lean in its build, the Dobie is muscular, fast, and powerful, making it a great fit for whatever role its human companions assign it — a protection dog, a working dog, or a loving family…
Among the big puppers that melt my heart into a puddle every single time is the Alaskan Malamute dog. Their thick furs, curled-up tails, and curious faces that instantly break into a smile, coupled with a sturdy build, make them one of the most gorgeous dog breeds I have come across. But their beauty isn’t…